1. Why Use Virtual Baking Classes to Build Team Spirit?
A virtual baking class is a fun team-building activity where participants learn to bake from experts. These online sessions don’t require the participants to travel anywhere and allow them to take time off work.
They’re a great solution if you’re trying to break up the monotony of the workweek. Participants get to learn new skills, collaborate, and strengthen their relationships with each other in a more casual setting.
2. How To Set Up a Virtual Baking Classes?
2.1. Choose a Video Conferencing Platform
The first step in setting up virtual baking classes is deciding on a video conferencing platform. You can pick from Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Microsoft Teams, depending on your team’s size, the features you need, and other requirements.
2.2. Book a Baking Expert for the Session
The next most important step to hosting a virtual baking class is booking an expert who can bake the food items you want and is experienced at handling a class. Most online baking classes have their own experts so you can simply focus on the other aspects of the event.
2.3. Provide the Baking Essentials
Make sure you provide participants with the ingredients required or the list of ingredients if you cannot ship them. Let them know in advance if any particular cooking utensils or equipment (like an oven) will be needed for the session.
2.4. Set the Time and Send Notifications in Advance
Schedule a day, date, and time that works for everyone, and let them know at least 2 or 3 weeks in advance. Send them the ingredients list/baking kit along with instructions for any prep work they must do ahead of the class.
3. Top 5 Best Virtual Baking Classes
3.1. Hooray Teams
Hooray Teams is a virtual team-building events provider that covers every type of virtual event, from icebreakers to employee appreciation. They facilitate a diverse range of culinary sessions, including baking and cooking, where participants can attend the same from the comfort of their remote workspace.
All classes are led by experienced professionals and passionate chefs who are dedicated to sharing their expertise and culinary secrets. Attendees not only learn valuable baking tips but also enjoy the satisfaction of working as a team to create some delicious treats.
Ideal for: Remote team, Corporate team building, Creative team, Passionate bakers,
Duration: 60 minutes - 120 minutes
No. of participants: 10-1000
Pricing: Customizable
3.2 Cozymeal
Cozymeal is a marketplace of in-person and virtual culinary experiences. From private chefs and food tours to wine tastings and brewery tours, Cozymeal’s offerings bring you the complete experience! Their virtual baking class will teach you the preparation of savory and sweet fare, including bread, cupcakes, and macarons.
Their fully interactive classes feature leading culinary experts who accompany you through the baking process and answer all your questions. Whether you're a novice in the baking field or an experienced baker, Cozymeal's online baking sessions cater to all skill levels. With a wide range of delectable treats to choose from, you can indulge your taste buds and master new cooking art from the comfort of your kitchen.
Ideal for: Remote team, Virtual team gathering, Creative team, Aspiring bakers,
Duration: 75 minutes
No. of participants: 51+ guests
Pricing: $29
3.3. King Arthur Baking
King Arthur Baking supplies baking-related goods and supplies. They also conduct cooking classes. Whether you need a beginner-level virtual baking class or something more advanced, King Arthur has something to offer! Their classes range from basic demonstrations to professional courses that last weeks. Available sessions include home baker classes, professional level, kids classes, and guest instructor classes.
Check their calendar for all their online baking classes, instructions, and requirements so you can schedule your date well in advance. The only thing to remember is you’ll need to source all your ingredients. Thankfully, they use ingredients that are easy to find.
Ideal for: Team building, Virtual team gathering, Creative team, Passionate bakers
Duration: 60 - 120 minutes
No. of participants: 14 & up
Pricing: $35 to $250
3.4. Alison
If your team-building activities have a limited budget, free online baking classes from Alison might help. From baking to engineering, Alison offers a wide range of diploma certifications and programs. Her baking courses cover every nitty-gritty of baking such as techniques, methods, recipes you need to get familiarized with.
Their baking programs include courses on decoration, baking techniques, and more subtopics for beginners and professionals. Their courses come with a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation and typically run anywhere between 2 to 6 hours.
Ideal for: Team building, Virtual team gathering, Those who are looking for budget baking class options, Passionate bakers
Duration: 2-3 hours
No. of participants: Online course
Pricing: Free courses available
3.5. Bake With Zing
Subscribing to baking classes online can be a risk, but Bake With Zing has an approachable teaching style that gives you the personal attention you need. There will be a dedicated instructor to lead the live session who will demonstrate the recipe and all other information to help the attendees.
They prefer small class sizes to provide personalized attention and assistance to bakers. Bake With Zing online sessions include baking classes for pastries, bread, cakes along with dinner series and special events. All you need is to have the ingredients individually measured and ready prior to the class.
Ideal for: Team building, Virtual team gathering, Creative team, Passionate bakers
Duration: up to 4 hours
No. of participants - Prefer small group
Pricing: $100 to $300
4. Best Virtual Baking Class Ideas in 2023
4.1. Learn How to Make Bakery-Style Muffins
A quick 1.5-hour session on baking raspberry muffins at home is perfect for anyone trying to master muffin making. You will get an overall idea of essential techniques, measurements, tools, tips and a comprehensive list of ingredients used in baking muffins, so you will never have a mishap again.
This class can cater to both beginners and professionals who are looking to refine their skills. Instructions cover the complete step-by-step process from mixing and whisking the batter to baking that perfect bakery-style muffins.
4.2. Bake Easy Breezy Breakfast Croissants
Want to make traditional French croissants with a perfect balance of flavors? This online croissant baking classes that runs for up to 2 hours is worth considering. The instructions include how to make a simple butter croissant along with a rich almond frangipane spread.
You will get a thorough understanding of baking croissants from scratch, including preparation of yeasted dough, layering of dough with butter, folding the dough, filling and proofing the croissants and finally baking that delicious delight. The class is ideal for newbies looking to learn the basics and advanced bakers eager to fine tune their croissant making skills.
4.3. Virtual Cupcake 101
In a virtual Cupcake baking classes, an experienced baker will demonstrate how to make delicious cupcakes in 3 to 4 hours. Participants will be able to learn the basics of cupcake making, different types of cupcakes, colors, favorings, fondant, icing and decorating tips.
Other topics covered in the session include Essential baking terminology, required tools and equipment, how to use them properly, ingredients and kitchen safety. You don’t require any prior baking or decoration experience to take up this class.
4.4. Interactive Parisian Macaron Baking Class
Learn how to perfect the crispy and chewy macarons with lemon and raspberry fillings with online macaron-making class Their live interactive cooking session will enable you to master the art of baking Parisian Macarons.
The instructor will accompany you throughout the 2 hour session and provide important tips, tricks that will make you a professional Parisian pastry chef. The sessions are pretty easy and enjoyable and are designed for bakers at every level.
4.5. Bake Authentic NYC-Bagels At Home
With online bagel baking classes, you will get to make three types of bagels - Plain, Cumin & cheddar, Raisin, Cream cheese spreads for each bagel flavor. This is a 2-3 hour session during which you will get to interact with a highly experienced and well qualified instructor while honing your bagel making skills.
All you need is to have everything measured and ready on your table, so you can follow along with your chef without any delays. What’s more, this class is completely beginner-friendly, making it accessible to everyone.
4.6. Master the Classic Shortbread Cookie
Discover the art of making melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies Shortbread baking classes. The class spans a duration of 2.5 hours and you can attend via zoom. You will learn the secrets behind creating delectable buttery treats and utilize the creative freedom to customize your shortbread with a variety of mix-ins, making each batch uniquely yours.
The classes are designed to cater to both beginners and those with more baking experience.You have to schedule your date 24 hours before the actual date of the class so that you get sufficient time to prepare the ingredients to follow along.
4.7. Bake a Batch of Homemade Donuts
Join fryer-free baking class to learn the art of donut making with super easy tips. The class takes 1 to 1.5 hours and also teaches you how to make a delicious glaze. You can pick from 5 different donut flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, pumpkin or apple cider to indulge your taste buds.
Whether you're a newbie or a professional baker, this class provides a fun and knowledgeable experience that will leave you with a newfound baking skill. While your delicious donuts are in the oven, indulge in funny donut trivia questions or interactive games to keep the team engaged.
4.8. Create Sweet and Savory Tarts
Want to make that instagrammable Fruit tarts? Why not join a tart baking classes online are short 1 or 2-hour sessions where you can learn how to bake and fill beautiful tarts. These can be done in a summer fresh fruit version or a winter lemon tart version.
You will get handson experience on making sweet and delicate tart shells using pâte sucrée and the traditional sweet pastry dough for tarts. Then they will guide you on arranging fresh fruit on top in an artistic manner.
4.9. Virtual Pastry-Making and Decorating
From delicious French pastries to classic Japanese shortcakes, learn to make any type of pastry just like a pro. This 1.5 - 3 hour session includes step-by-step guidance, techniques, and tips to help you make mouth watering pastries.
Depending on what pastry you choose to bake, the recipes can be as easy or difficult as you choose. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned baker, this session teaches simple and easily understandable pastry making methods that anyone can try.
4.10. Bake Versatile Focaccia
Thicker than a regular pizza, the focaccia is Italy’s ultimate comfort food. Whether you want to make a bread for an upcoming bachelorette party or a family function, focaccia-making class would work best for you.
In this 1.5- 2 hour class, you will enjoy making Italy's infamous flatbread and experiment it with different flavor combinations. You will also whip up two delectable dipping sauces: a timeless tomato sauce and a velvety alfredo sauce for a whole new level culinary delight.
5. FAQs
5.1. Is it possible to learn baking online?
Yes, it’s possible to learn baking online with live instruction and video conferencing platforms like Zoom.
5.2. How can I learn to bake for free?
Free online baking classes allow you to master a wide array of baking techniques and methods. They are suitable for beginners and advanced bakers. Some require you to source the ingredients yourself while others are willing to ship them.
5.3 Which course is best for baking?
If you want formally recognized training, a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts with a specialization in Bakery and Pastry Art Management is recommended. However, for remote team-building and engagement, choose a virtual baking class with good reviews.
5.4 How can I learn to bake at home?
To learn to bake at home, start with a simple recipe like muffins. Then, gather all the ingredients and follow the instructions. You can also get expert help from a virtual baking class.